Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
Moderators: General Help, Kanzenshuu Staff
- GamerSkull
- Regular
- Posts: 520
- Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2018 6:45 pm
- Location: United States
Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
Which iteration of Son Goku is your favorite?
Do you like his depiction in original Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, or Dragon Ball Super the best? (or you can choose by specific arcs)
You can argue that he's the same throughout but I feel that he's a bit different in each of these.
Personally, I have always enjoyed him the most in original Dragon Ball. He seemed to have undergone the most growth and character development then. That's not to say I dislike later iterations of Goku but it was far more enjoyable to see him first meet different people and experience the world for the first time...
My least favorite is his depiction in Dragon Ball Super... where I feel that a lot of his more endearing traits from original DB are flanderized and a bit odd for his age.
Plus, to me... Son Goku will always be that kid with the monkey's tail.
Do you like his depiction in original Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, or Dragon Ball Super the best? (or you can choose by specific arcs)
You can argue that he's the same throughout but I feel that he's a bit different in each of these.
Personally, I have always enjoyed him the most in original Dragon Ball. He seemed to have undergone the most growth and character development then. That's not to say I dislike later iterations of Goku but it was far more enjoyable to see him first meet different people and experience the world for the first time...
My least favorite is his depiction in Dragon Ball Super... where I feel that a lot of his more endearing traits from original DB are flanderized and a bit odd for his age.
Plus, to me... Son Goku will always be that kid with the monkey's tail.
Last edited by GamerSkull on Tue Feb 13, 2018 1:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Roga Fu-Fu Ken!"
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
My favourite is definitely Buu saga Goku. While he post poned every fight that he would have taken when he was younger, he regained his joy when he fought Kid Buu, and proceeded to rejuvenate himself. Prior to that, he seemed bitter and unwilling to give his all, opting for a "professional" (least time consuming) means to end the conflict. That's why he wanted Vegeta to be his partner on an experiment to face the fat Majin Buu upon showing up. That's why he tried to pass it on to the kids. Goku felt like an academic teacher doing nothing for the market.
- Baggie_Saiyan
- Namekian Warrior
- Posts: 10283
- Joined: Sat Mar 30, 2013 5:22 pm
- Location: Atlantis.
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
Hmm. While I do enjoy Kid Goku a lot I'd probably have to go Dragon Ball Super it is most he has ever shown as an actual character, he is thoughtful towards his family despite them having no power over him, we actually see just how intelligent he is when it comes to fighting and training for example what better way to hones one skills then have an assassins hit on you? And overall he is just a loveable goofball.
Z is by far and away his worst iteration not helped with him being a plot device for the majority of it, there was so charm to him.
Z is by far and away his worst iteration not helped with him being a plot device for the majority of it, there was so charm to him.
- GamerSkull
- Regular
- Posts: 520
- Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2018 6:45 pm
- Location: United States
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
If we're going by specific arcs, then my favorite would be Red Ribbon Army arc Goku... who decides to help Upa and gets to have a touching moment with his grandfather.Desassina wrote:My favourite is definitely Buu saga Goku. While he post poned every fight that he would have taken when he was younger, he regained his joy when he fought Kid Buu, and proceeded to rejuvenate himself. Prior to that, he seemed bitter and unwilling to give his all, opting for a "professional" (least time consuming) means to end the conflict. That's why he wanted Vegeta to be his partner on an experiment to face the fat Majin Buu upon showing up. That's why he tried to pass it on to the kids. Goku felt like an academic teacher doing nothing for the market.
(I group the Baba portion into the arc since I don't believe the arc truly ends until Upa's father is wished back).
"Roga Fu-Fu Ken!"
- KBABZ
- Born 'n Bred Here
- Posts: 5180
- Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2017 9:38 pm
- Location: The tallest tower in West City
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
Kid Goku by far. Specifically, 22nd TB Goku, as he still has his lovable charm, and yet he takes his fights seriously and has started to show his talent for battle tactics.
- ABED
- Namekian Warrior
- Posts: 20276
- Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:23 am
- Location: Skippack, PA
- Contact:
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
How is he a plot device in Z?Baggie_Saiyan wrote:Z is by far and away his worst iteration not helped with him being a plot device for the majority of it, there was so charm to him.
My favorite version of Goku is around the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai. He just so sure of himself and his skills.
The biggest truths aren't original. The truth is ketchup. It's Jim Belushi. Its job isn't to blow our minds. It's to be within reach.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take - Wayne Gretzky" - Michael Scott
Happiness is climate, not weather.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take - Wayne Gretzky" - Michael Scott
Happiness is climate, not weather.
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
Definitely beginning-ish of the series kid Goku. He's such a smarmy fucking prick, and he doesn't even seem to realize it most of the time.
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
Saiyan to Namek arc Goku. It was where I felt he had his most interesting arc. Boo arc is a close second.
Not really much of a fan of kid Goku in comparison to his adult self.
Not really much of a fan of kid Goku in comparison to his adult self.
- Son Perfect
- Newbie
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Sun Dec 17, 2017 2:37 pm
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
1. Saiyan Arc Goku
2. Red Ribbon Arc Goku
3. Goku GT (DONT KILL ME)
2. Red Ribbon Arc Goku
3. Goku GT (DONT KILL ME)
I love Gohan a bit too much...
- TrunksTrevelyan0064
- Patreon Supporter
- Posts: 702
- Joined: Sat May 20, 2006 9:55 am
- Location: The Netherlands
- Contact:
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
Red Ribbon arc Goku, exploring a world he is adorably clueless about yet utterly invulnerable to.
What makes that stuff so endearing, I think, is that Goku has no real responsibilities yet. He has no family to look after, nor does he need to defend the planet against any homicidal supervillains. He's just a carefree kid on an adventure, having the time of his life.
What makes that stuff so endearing, I think, is that Goku has no real responsibilities yet. He has no family to look after, nor does he need to defend the planet against any homicidal supervillains. He's just a carefree kid on an adventure, having the time of his life.
Usually goes by "Kevtrev" elsewhere online.
Draws comics that may or may not have been inspired by Akira Toriyama's amazing manga-making skills.
Draws comics that may or may not have been inspired by Akira Toriyama's amazing manga-making skills.
- GamerSkull
- Regular
- Posts: 520
- Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2018 6:45 pm
- Location: United States
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
I actually really like GT Goku actually.Son Perfect wrote:1. Saiyan Arc Goku
2. Red Ribbon Arc Goku
3. Goku GT (DONT KILL ME)
It’s nice to see him a little more mature despite having a child’s body.
"Roga Fu-Fu Ken!"
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
1. Kid/Teen Goku
2. Z Goku
3. GT Goku
4. Movie Goku
5. Super Goku
2. Z Goku
3. GT Goku
4. Movie Goku
5. Super Goku
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
I feel the complete opposite. Super Goku has no charm to him that DB-Z Goku had.Baggie_Saiyan wrote:Hmm. While I do enjoy Kid Goku a lot I'd probably have to go Dragon Ball Super it is most he has ever shown as an actual character, he is thoughtful towards his family despite them having no power over him, we actually see just how intelligent he is when it comes to fighting and training for example what better way to hones one skills then have an assassins hit on you? And overall he is just a loveable goofball.
Z is by far and away his worst iteration not helped with him being a plot device for the majority of it, there was so charm to him.
- sunsetshimmer
- I Live Here
- Posts: 2164
- Joined: Sun Dec 24, 2017 4:34 pm
- Location: Poland/Equestria
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
Kid Goku / GT Goku
Never been fan of adult Goku except SSJ4 because he looks cool and isn't afraid to kill just like Goku in original series.
Adult Goku became more stupid, boring and soft.
GT making him a child again was the best decision ever made.
Never been fan of adult Goku except SSJ4 because he looks cool and isn't afraid to kill just like Goku in original series.
Adult Goku became more stupid, boring and soft.
GT making him a child again was the best decision ever made.
"I will concede that your feelings are worthy of the mightiest of Saiyans. However, there is more to my power than just this. Before you die, I will show it to you. This is the difference in power, between the primitive Saiyans and the evolved Tsufruians." ~Baby Vegeta
- KBABZ
- Born 'n Bred Here
- Posts: 5180
- Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2017 9:38 pm
- Location: The tallest tower in West City
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
I like GT Goku as well due to the unique mix of his more serious adult side and his carefree kid side, even if it doesn't make sense in the story.
I also really like RRA Goku, but I opted for 22nd WMAT due to the battle tactics thing.
I also really like RRA Goku, but I opted for 22nd WMAT due to the battle tactics thing.
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
1: Android/Cell Goku--I know a lot of people aren't fond of Goku in this arc but I think it was a perfect finisher to his development. It always seemed to me that Goku moved from simply a martial artist in this arc to being a master/teacher in his own right. Seeing him pass his skills and knowledge onto Gohan was great and especially around the ten days before the Cell Games, there was a maturity about him that we really didn't see too much before hand.
2: GT Goku--I really like how they characterized Goku in GT. The kid body allowed for them to play with some of the goofy moments and mannerisms but at the same time, he does NOT act the same as Kid Goku. Because he isn't Kid Goku, he's adult Goku in a kid body which makes for a far more interesting dynamic. He has the experience of his entire life and it comes out in the way he talks, the way he responds to things and I have no problem believing that this Goku, despite the younger body, has an entire lifetime of battle expertise.
3: Saiyan/Namek Goku//Movie Goku-- I tie these two because I really think I like them about the same. My favorite Z movies tend to take place or would have taken place in that same time frame so I suppose that counts. I love this Goku because while he has matured from his teenaged self and definitely has grown, he still has a lot of room to grow some more. He has a lot more pride in his Earthling heritage, which is something I do miss in the later arcs, but it's also fun seeing that Saiyan pride grow.
I tend to like Kid Goku and Buu Goku about the same. They're fun to watch, for different reasons, but they aren't my favorites.
Least Favorite--Definitely Super Goku. While I appreciate what they were going for--recapturing Kid Goku--it just doesn't work once he's an adult. He's developed over the past few arcs and this just doesn't reflect any of that. As a result, what might have been cute and funny for Kid Goku just comes across as weird and awkward with Adult Goku. I can see why some people like it but it just comes across as flanderization of the character to me.
2: GT Goku--I really like how they characterized Goku in GT. The kid body allowed for them to play with some of the goofy moments and mannerisms but at the same time, he does NOT act the same as Kid Goku. Because he isn't Kid Goku, he's adult Goku in a kid body which makes for a far more interesting dynamic. He has the experience of his entire life and it comes out in the way he talks, the way he responds to things and I have no problem believing that this Goku, despite the younger body, has an entire lifetime of battle expertise.
3: Saiyan/Namek Goku//Movie Goku-- I tie these two because I really think I like them about the same. My favorite Z movies tend to take place or would have taken place in that same time frame so I suppose that counts. I love this Goku because while he has matured from his teenaged self and definitely has grown, he still has a lot of room to grow some more. He has a lot more pride in his Earthling heritage, which is something I do miss in the later arcs, but it's also fun seeing that Saiyan pride grow.
I tend to like Kid Goku and Buu Goku about the same. They're fun to watch, for different reasons, but they aren't my favorites.
Least Favorite--Definitely Super Goku. While I appreciate what they were going for--recapturing Kid Goku--it just doesn't work once he's an adult. He's developed over the past few arcs and this just doesn't reflect any of that. As a result, what might have been cute and funny for Kid Goku just comes across as weird and awkward with Adult Goku. I can see why some people like it but it just comes across as flanderization of the character to me.
We truly begin to live when we find something we're willing to die for
-
- Regular
- Posts: 717
- Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2016 3:36 pm
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
Not sure this counts, but Goku all the way from DB before Z and Saiyan Arc + Namek Arc. I just loved him throughout DB before Z and in Z, I felt he definitely grew in the Saiyan arc, such as him coming to the realization he was the beast that inadvertently killed his adoptive grandfather, and his characterization when he was a Super Saiyan for the first time is something I'll never forget.
Least favorite would be Dragon Ball Super Goku. I hate his flanderization in Super. Him being Luffy stupid at this age just doesn't work.
Though, an honorable mention for my least favorite Goku would be Android/Cell arc Goku. I know Vegeta got flak for prioritizing his rivalry with Goku over Bulma and his son, but hell, it worked for Vegeta because being a prideful asshole was his character. That wasn't the case for Goku, on the other hand... I mean, Jeezus, him just sitting there and watching his son get hammered by Cell disturbed even Vegeta, not to mention getting lectured by a former demon about his own son. I understand it was in good-faith on Goku's part because he was confident in his son exploding and winning that fight, but man that was still a gamble.
Least favorite would be Dragon Ball Super Goku. I hate his flanderization in Super. Him being Luffy stupid at this age just doesn't work.
Though, an honorable mention for my least favorite Goku would be Android/Cell arc Goku. I know Vegeta got flak for prioritizing his rivalry with Goku over Bulma and his son, but hell, it worked for Vegeta because being a prideful asshole was his character. That wasn't the case for Goku, on the other hand... I mean, Jeezus, him just sitting there and watching his son get hammered by Cell disturbed even Vegeta, not to mention getting lectured by a former demon about his own son. I understand it was in good-faith on Goku's part because he was confident in his son exploding and winning that fight, but man that was still a gamble.
- Jackalope89
- Advanced Regular
- Posts: 1108
- Joined: Sun Dec 03, 2017 9:36 pm
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
Agree on GT Goku. He still loves having fun and a good fight, but he's also matured in certain ways as well.
- ABED
- Namekian Warrior
- Posts: 20276
- Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:23 am
- Location: Skippack, PA
- Contact:
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
The only gamble they had. Gohan was the ONLY one with the power to defeat Cell. Why does everyone seem to forget that?TheShadowEmperor8055 wrote:but man that was still a gamble.
The biggest truths aren't original. The truth is ketchup. It's Jim Belushi. Its job isn't to blow our minds. It's to be within reach.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take - Wayne Gretzky" - Michael Scott
Happiness is climate, not weather.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take - Wayne Gretzky" - Michael Scott
Happiness is climate, not weather.
Re: Favorite Iteration of Son Goku
Favourite : Buu arc Goku. He's usually a very silly character, but he becomes almost frighteningly serious when it matters.
Least Favourite : EOZ Goku. I hate the fact that he literally abandons his family and friends to train with Oob just to fight him one day, not to mention after he didn't even meet his friends at all for 5 years according to Bulma.
Least Favourite : EOZ Goku. I hate the fact that he literally abandons his family and friends to train with Oob just to fight him one day, not to mention after he didn't even meet his friends at all for 5 years according to Bulma.